Try Savory Tea

You can make teas that are savory instead of sweet. It seems that many people are fatigued by sweets. Many medications such as chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer alter taste sensations and make sweet foods and beverages unappealing. For these reasons, or just for a change of pace, savory teas are a taste treat. Try these savory herbal teas to add some spice to your life and to enjoy the health benefits that culinary herbs offer.RosemarySprigs of rosemary were considered a love charm, a sign of remembrance, and a way to ward off the plague. Now rosemary is valued for its phytochemical rosmarinic acid, which is a potent antioxidant.Rosemary Lemon Tea1 tsp. rosemary1 cup water1 slice lemonAdd the rosemary to 1 cup of boiling water; add the lemon slice and steep in a covered container for ten minutes.BasilThis popular member of the mint family is often tossed into tomato sauce or pounded into pesto. Basil contains antimicrobial compounds that may inhibit the growth of disease causing bacteria. As a tea it is best combined with tomato. Try this soothing drink on a cold winter’s day:Basil Tomato Tea1/4 tsp. basilDash garlic powder1/2 cup low sodium tomato juice1/2 cup vegetable brothHeat the basil and garlic in the vegetable broth until boiling. This can be done in one minute in the microwave. Add tomato juice. Serve in tea mug or bowl.ClovesThe clove is the unopened bud of the clove tree. The word clove is derived from the Latin clavus, for nail. Oil from cloves has many medicinal uses ranging from antibacterial mouthwash to a treatment for toothaches. Cloves may play an additional role in regulating glucose metabolism.Cloves are strong; a little goes a very long way. Try this spicy tea to relax after a long day or as a mid afternoon treat to get some calcium!Spiced Tea Latte1 cup skim milkPinch: cinnamon, allspice, cloves1/2 tsp sugar1 tea bagPlace milk, spices and sugar together in a coffee mug and stir well. Add the tea bag and microwave on medium power until hot, about 2 minutes. Allow to steep for a few minutes, discard tea bag and serve.Bay LeavesJust as the champions of the first Olympic games were awarded garlands made of bay leaves, you can reward your family with a hot broth made with bay after your own Winter Olympic events such as sledding.To make a broth drink with bay leaves, you need to simmer it slowly for 20-30 minutes because it takes time for the flavor to permeate the food. Be sure to remove bay leaves before serving!Vegetable BrothA savory broth is a version of tea and is a warming, soothing drink. A cup of broth served with warm bread or crackers makes a great snack. Try it as a beverage for lunch with a sandwich.3 quarts water2 onions, sliced2 cloves garlic1 cup chopped tomatoes1 bay leaf1/4 tsp. thyme1/4 tsp. rosemary1 stalk celeryCombine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. Remove bay leaf and celery stalk before serving.You can make a batch of stock and freeze in one-cup containers. Simply microwave and drink!By Carol M. Coughlin, RD - excerpted from Eat Your Herbs (FMI?see www.foodandhealth.com or call 800-462-2352.)